Generosity, Stewardship, and Abundance: A Transformational Guide to Church Finance Paperback – May 9, 2021

"Generosity, Stewardship, and Abundance" should rise to the top of your summer reading list because it’s loaded with both great theological underpinnings and easily implemented tips.Just like its title indicates, the book is organized around three concepts.The Generosity section starts by defining why it’s important for people of faith to be generous. I found my pink highlighter going into overdrive: “The truth is we don’t deserve anything. God’s gifts are unmerited and intended for all.” And another, “God made generosity gratifying to us because God wants us to be generous.”Weems and Michel reflect upon and respond to questions like: “Are Christians required to tithe?” “Should Christians tithe?” And, “If so, how much?”Stewardship is how individuals and congregations should care for the sacred financial gifts given to them by God. Topics covered in this section include the practical: how to build (and fund) an operating budget, a capital budget, and an endowment fund.Finally, through Abundance, Weems and Michel finish with challenging the reader to re-think how their congregation’s physical assets are being used. How might God be calling your congregation to have its facilities in use more frequently – perhaps for a bolder ministry? Is building usage a source of income? What are the various ways that you can charge (or not)?While Generosity, Stewardship, and Abundance is valuable for any church leader, certain committees or groups will find some sections especially useful:• “Generosity” will be helpful to the Stewardship Committee.• “Stewardship” will be beneficial to the Finance Committee.• “Abundance” will be useful to Trustees.As with all printed material these days, the one downside of this book is its cost. The $26 price tag (nearly $33 at Cokesbury) will surely prevent some people from being able to access it.But still, I encourage you to save up your pennies and make reading this book a priority. It’s sure to become one of the “go to” stewardship resources. I have no doubt that by reading it, you will be inspired to see your church’s finances in a new way – a way that will encourage more generosity, more stewardship, and more abundance.(adapted from the "Inspiring Generosity" blog posted June 2, 2021 cesiescheuermann.com)

This comprehensive book covers all aspects of a church’s approach to traditional stewardship and finance with an emphasis on encouraging generous giving, viewing giving out of the abundance of one’s resources and connecting giving to the church’s vision and ministry. A part of the book that resonated with me was the book’s discussion of year-round stewardship education, which includes thanking members at the time of the offering. At this time the congregation can be reminded about how their giving has supported their church’s mission. Their giving to this mission has affected people’s lives in the community and the world. In addition, no one ever left a church because they felt thanked and appreciated.